Local Food Producers

Gardens of Eagan

Farmington, MN

The Wedge Co-op has known Martin and Atina Diffley for several decades. They are one of the longest certified organic operations in the United States, first certified in 1974. As organic vegetable growers, the Diffleys are exemplary. Martin was instrumental in establishing organic standards in Minnesota. He volunteered with the Organic Growers and Buyers Association (MN's first certifying agent) in a variety of roles and was an organic inspector for 4 years. The Diffleys have helped hmong and other immigrants by providing jobs, helping connect them to equipment to start their own farms and even selling land to help new farmers begin their own farms. They have also inspired and educated many young people on organic vegetable farming through their on-farm intern program, the first in the Midwest.

The formidable Gardens of Eagan farm produces a wide range of produce, from salad mix to broccoli to a variety of melons and squash. They sell their produce at their roadside stand, natural food co-ops, the Mill City Farmers Market and natural food stores.

Gardens of Eagan was presented with the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) Organic Farmer of the Year: an Organic Farmer Practicing Outstanding Land Stewardship Award in 2004.

Hoch Orchard

LaCrescent, MN

Hoch orchard is a small apple orchard and farm located just west of LaCrescent, MN. Owned and operated by Harry and Jackie Hoch and family since 1997, they produce over 50 varieties of apples, ranging from old favorites like Macintosh and Firesides to new, very popular Honeycrisp, Zestar, Sweet 16, and Gingergold cultivars.

Harry Hoch is a pioneer of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which is a system of monitoring pest-populations to reduce the amount of chemicals needed to control pest and fungus issues that plague Minnesota grown apples. Cleaned and packed on their family farm, their apples are never treated with ripening agents, wax, shellac, or any post-harvest pesticides. Striving to bring you conscientiously produced fruit of the highest quality, Hoch orchards fills a niche market providing locally grown apples all fall that are far superior to their conventionally grown counterparts.

Also producing cider, Alderman plums, berries, pumpkins, and fresh table and wine grapes, Hoch Orchards is a leader paving the way for more sustainable choices in local fruit agriculture.

Keewaydin Farms

Viola, WI

Keewaydin Farms was founded in 1976 as a dairy operation by Richard and Mary Haucke. while they were not certified organic, they held strong beliefs in their roles as stewards of the land. Spraying was kept to a minimum and animals were given ample pasture to graze in the summer months. As people who had come from urban environments they envisioned a farm where they would raise their children, and instill in them the sense of community and family offered from rural living. In 2002, after several years of travel and exploration, all three siblings; Jessica, Rufus and Jacob returned to the farm with hopes of carrying on the family trade. To this accord, they raise four acres of certified organic market garden produce, a small maple sugar shack, a 40-cow dairy, grass-fed poultry, and some pork.

Rock Spring Farm

Spring Grove, MN

Rock Spring Farm is a family-owned farm raising organic vegetables and livestock on 80-acres south of Spring Grove, Minnesota. The farm has a rich diversity of landscapes including fertile bottomlands, forest, pastures, and a clear running stream. 9,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space provide for year-round production of salad greens and fine herbs. The greenhouses also are used seasonally for tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetable crops.

Rock Spring's owners Chris and Kim Blanchard met while studying horticulture at the University of Wisconsin: their wedding bands were made in the image of silver garlic braids. They purchased their farm in 1999 and became certified organic in 2002. With a love of the land, years of experience, and their three children, they currently produce some of the highest-quality organic produce available on the market today. The Blanchard's sell their products through a CSA, various wholesalers, and at the rochester farmer's market.